Should you still build in public? Peldi (Balsamiq) and Jay Clouse (Creator Science)
Feb 21, 2025
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Join Peldi, the founder of Balsamiq Mockups, a pioneer in transparent business practices, and Jay Clouse, creator of Creator Science, who shares innovative insights on building communities for creators. They explore the evolution of 'building in public' since 2007, discussing the pitfalls of oversharing and the allure of authenticity. Peldi discusses his commitment to transparency, including sharing revenue numbers, while Jay offers practical strategies for fostering genuine community connections and mentorship in the creative space.
Building in public has transformed from authentic storytelling into a trend often characterized by vanity and self-promotion.
Peldi emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community by sharing tools and experiences to foster collaboration and validation.
The podcast discusses the need for mentorship programs in creator communities to enhance knowledge sharing and support among founders.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Building in Public
Building in public has evolved significantly since its inception, with founders like Peldi reflecting on their early experiences and how the practice is perceived today. Initially embraced for authentic storytelling, it has shifted towards a trend where transparency sometimes leans into vanity, as many share revenue numbers more for accolades than genuine engagement. Peldi recounts how blogging about their journey helped attract an audience that valued the narrative behind the product, which ultimately contributed to the company's visibility and success. The conversation highlights a desire to return to the core values of building in public, focusing on storytelling and collaboration rather than mere marketing self-promotion.
Harnessing Nostalgia and Value for Others
Peldi expresses a strong desire to give back to the community by leveraging his experiences from years of building in public. He believes in the value of sharing tools like Balsamiq to help budding founders clarify their ideas. By revisiting this nostalgic approach, he hopes to foster communication between creators and gather feedback, ultimately validating and refining concepts before they reach the coding stage. This iterative process not only enhances product development but also re-engages the community that once rallied around open sharing and collaboration.
Community Dynamics in Building Public
The panelists discuss how the dynamics of online communities have shifted, particularly concerning engagement and meaningful interactions. Jay notes that while some creators share sneak peeks and insights into their processes, the current trend often leans towards self-promotion rather than fostering genuine dialogue. This discrepancy can create a disconnect between audience members and builders, as the emphasis shifts from developmental stories to finished results or revenue metrics. The discussion inspires thoughts on how to revitalize the building in public initiative by nurturing authentic connections and creating spaces for conversation among peers.
Mentorship and Cohort Models
The conversation touches on innovative ideas for creating mentorship opportunities through cohort-based models in creator communities. The panelists suggest developing programs where experienced founders can guide newer entrants, creating a reciprocal learning environment. Not only does this approach add richness to the experience, but it also addresses the mentorship void that many modern creators encounter. Encouraging collaboration among members fosters a sense of community while facilitating knowledge sharing, ultimately enhancing everyone's building experience.
Navigating Legacy and Leadership
As companies grow and evolve, founders face the challenge of considering their legacy and the future of their business. Peldi reflects on his realization that he must prepare for succession, emphasizing the importance of developing a leadership team capable of running the business in his absence. This shift in mindset requires relinquishing hands-on operational control to focus on long-term goals, a transition that is often challenging for creators who thrive in the making process. His insights highlight the need for founders to balance their passion for creation with a strategic vision for sustainability and growth.
Peldi is the founder of Balsamiq and pioneered transparent business building in 2007. In this episode, he came to the Panel looking advice on "build in public." We invited Jay Clouse, of Creator Science, on to share his wisdom. Jay had tons of practical suggestions for SaaS founders looking to build community and build in public in an authentic way.
Chapters:
(00:08) - Introduction of The Panel
(04:24) - Why is Peldi interested in build in public in 2025?
(09:32) - Build in public has become brag in public
(20:44) - Can Peldi give back in some way?
(28:25) - Could you teach people how to build in public again?
(35:13) - How much work is it to maintain community?
(40:46) - Sharing your struggles in public
(47:57) - Why does Peldi still share revenue numbers?